The Giving Herd - ASAS Foundation Newsletter - January 2026
The Giving Herd "Inspire · Ignite · Invest"
In This January Edition
- A Student Member's Journey - Madison "Madi" Barbee
- Madi brings a lifelong passion for animal agriculture to her role as the2026 ASAS Foundation D.C. Animal Agriculture Policy Intern.
- Honoring a Legacy: The Jerry J. Reeves Appreciation Club
- 2026 Foundation Folly - Coming Soon!
- 2026 - A Future of Promise - Letter from the ASAS Foundation Chair
- Thank You ASAS Foundation Giving Partners
Inspire · Ignite · Invest - A Student-Member's Journey. Where Passion Meets Purpose.
Meet Madison "Madi" Barbee, Animal Science Student: A third-generation Aggie with deep roots in ranching,
will represent ASAS in Washington, D.C.(Left: Madi and her family, the day she received her Aggie ring)
Growing up on a ranch in Wimberley, Texas, showing lambs and working cattle, I have always seen animal agriculture as a family affair and the foundation of my animal science journey.
Involvement in 4-H and FFA, along with competing in public speaking events and competitive clay target shooting, built confidence and leadership skills that extended far beyond the show ring. Those experiences taught me how to lead, communicate, and represent agriculture with pride.
(Above, left to right: Madi and her dad bottle-feeding a lamb; surveying their family farm; Madi skeet shooting)
Some of the most formative moments came through opportunities beyond the classroom. Studying abroad in New Zealand provided a global perspective on wool and dairy production, while annual internships with the Breeding Sheep Show at the Houston Livestock Show offered hands-on lessons in professionalism, leadership under pressure, and kindness in every interaction.
Mentorship has played a defining role throughout my journey, starting with time spent working livestock alongside my dad, uncles, and cousins, often as the only girl, which built confidence and self-belief.
My high school agriculture teacher, Brady Reid, sparked a passion for advocacy and education, while Texas A&M professors continue to provide invaluable guidance. At the Houston Livestock Show, mentors Robbie Eckhoff, Donnie Eckhoff, and R. G. Reeder, Jr. (Bubba) have shaped leadership skills and reinforced the importance of integrity and respect.
(Above, Houston Breeding Sheep Show participants. Left photo, 2024, left to right: Robbie Eckhoff, Annaleah Lombardo, Madi, Anaya Carter, Donnie Eckhoff, and R. G. Reeder Jr. (“Bubba”). Right photo, 2025, left to right: John Osbourne, Amanda Hoffmann, Robbie Eckhoff, Annaleah Lombardo, Donnie Eckhoff, Madi, and R. G. Reeder Jr. (“Bubba”).)
A particularly meaningful ASAS moment came during the ASAS Foundation D.C. internship interview process, when a former professor, Dr. Russell Cross, appeared on the interview panel, joined by fellow Aggies. That moment highlighted the strength of the animal science community and the reach of the Aggie Network, reinforcing how relationships built through ASAS extend far beyond the classroom and continue to open doors.
With both of my parents attending Texas A&M University and a grandfather who pursued veterinary medicine there, becoming a third-generation Aggie holds deep meaning!(Left: Madi on a dairy farm in New Zealand)
Becoming the 2026 ASAS Foundation D.C. Animal Agriculture Policy Intern represents the next step in my journey. Graduation is set for May 2026, followed by a summer in Washington, D.C., representing ASAS and exploring how policy intersects with animal health and agriculture. Long-term goals include making a lasting, positive impact within the animal health industry and serving as a strong voice for the farmers, ranchers, feedlot operators, and packers whose dedication sustains the world.
Being part of ASAS means standing alongside a community that believes in science, education, and the future of animal agriculture, and carrying that responsibility forward with pride.
Madison "Madi" Barbee | Student | Department of Animal Science | Texas A&M University | Anticipated Graduation May 2026
Congratulations, Madi, on being selected as the 2026 ASAS Foundation DC Animal Agriculture Policy Intern!
The ASAS Foundation D.C. Animal Agriculture Policy Internship is supported by the Jack H. Britt, Louis J. Boyd, Barb Glenn, Harold D. Hafs, and Robert G. Zimbelman Appreciation Clubs.
If Madi's story has inspired you, become an ASAS Foundation Partner and take pride in knowing you're making a difference in the lives of current and future animal scientists! To learn how you can support this internship and other foundation initiatives, visit online here.
Philanthropy in Action!
Honoring a Legacy: The Jerry J. Reeves Appreciation Club
Introducing a new ASAS Foundation Appreciation Club
(Left: Jerry J. Reeves, Ph.D)
Honoring a Legacy. Supporting Future Leaders.
For nearly four decades (1970–2007) at Washington State University, Dr. Jerry J. Reeves devoted his career to advancing animal science and, most importantly, to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jerry guided five postdoctoral fellows, 22 Ph.D. students, and 35 M.S. students from around the world, many of whom went on to successful careers in academia, government, and industry. His influence endures not only through his groundbreaking research but also through the people he shaped along the way.
Jerry’s pioneering work in reproductive neuroendocrinology, genetic engineering, and livestock production helped transform the field and continues to influence animal science today. However, for those who knew him best, his greatest legacy lies in his dedication to students, encouraging their curiosity, supporting their development, and opening doors to opportunities.
The newly established Jerry J. Reeves Appreciation Club honors that legacy by supporting graduate student travel scholarships through the ASAS Foundation. These scholarships offer critical financial assistance, enabling students to attend ASAS meetings, present their research, and build the professional networks essential to their careers, opportunities that Jerry deeply appreciated and promoted throughout his life.
We invite you to partner with the ASAS Foundation in supporting the Jerry J. Reeves Appreciation Club to honor a lifetime of mentorship and to ensure that Jerry’s passion for developing young scientists continues for generations. Contributions made in his honor directly invest in graduate students following the path he helped pave.
To learn more and to make a gift online, visit ONLINE HERE. To make a gift of securities, through a donor-advised fund or IRA distribution (RMD-eligible), or other giving options, please contact Amy Brainard, ASAS Chief Development Officer, at amyb@asas.org or (317)729-7600.
Coming Soon - The ASAS Foundation Folly Returns - And It’s All New in 2026!
March 23rd - April 5th
The ASAS Foundation Folly is back - completely reimagined for 2026! This year’s competition features a no-rounds format, two winning categories, and more ways than ever for your school to score big!
You’ll compete head-to-head with other universities and colleges to benefit the ASAS Foundation’s “Student and Young Animal Scientists Opportunities Fund” - fueling travel, research, and leadership development.
And yes, the prizes are AMAZING:
- Bragging rights as the BEST SCHOOL for animal science students
- A full College Takeover Day at the 2026 ASAS Annual Meeting
- Your school’s colors featured at the Annual Meeting and
- ASAS logo polos for your faculty and graduate students!
⏳ More details and how to enter are coming in February! Get your team ready - the court is calling!
2026 - A Future of Promise
A Letter from the ASAS Foundation Chair
(Left: James M. Reecy, Ph.D.)
Dear ASAS Members and Friends,
As we begin a new year, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the ASAS community. The ASAS Foundation exists to support one another, from students and early-career scientists to established professionals and leaders.
With that shared purpose, the Foundation has made its first award of 2026 by announcing Madison Barbee as our 2026 ASAS Foundation DC Animal Agriculture Intern. We also begin the year with the launch of the Jerry J. Reeves Appreciation Club, an initiative that honors Jerry’s legacy of mentorship and innovation while expanding travel scholarship opportunities for graduate students.
Together, these efforts reflect the spirit of the Foundation’s Inspire. Ignite. Invest. campaign, focused on encouraging the next generation, sparking opportunity, opening doors, and investing in people. I am grateful to our members and foundation partners, and I look forward to the progress we will make together in the year ahead.
All the best,
Jim
James M. Reecy, Ph.D. | ASAS Foundation Chair | Professor | Department of Animal and Range Sciences | Iowa State University
Thank you - ASAS Foundation Giving Partners!
(Left: Amy Brainard, CDO, ASAS Foundation)
Dear ASAS Foundation Partners,
As we welcome a new year, we thank our ASAS Foundation Partners whose generosity and commitment continue to shape the future of animal science, creating opportunities for students and scientists, advancing discovery, and strengthening our community for generations to come.
Your support makes journeys like Madison’s possible and recognizes the success of our ASAS members like Dr. Reeves. Through philanthropy, we continue to open doors, strengthen careers, and invest in people across our community.
As we launch 2026, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our 2025 ASAS Foundation Partners for standing alongside us and believing in the impact we create together. We invite you to explore the 2025 ASAS Foundation Impact Report to see the students, researchers, and members whose paths have been shaped by your generosity, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.
With sincere appreciation,
Amy
Amy Brainard, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
American Society of Animal Science
